English Oak

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English Oak Facts

The truly remarkable English Oak represents a rather long-lived plant, averaging several centuries in lifespan. Some individuals have also lived for than a thousand years. What all they must have seen.

One particular individual specimen of English Oak bears the name of The Granit Oak. It was given the name of the village of Granit, Bulgaria, whose boundaries it grows within.

Estimates of the age of the tree place it at over 1,600 years. This makes this specimen the oldest known oak tree in the world. Incredible.

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English Oak Physical Description

The English Oak appears as a rather large, deciduous species, and also seems to be capable of reaching heights of as much as 60 ft (18 m). Rather astonishingly, the trunk circumference also sometimes reaches the same measurement.

Its leaves also develop lobed and reach lengths of as much as 5.5 in (14 cm). These have rather short stalks, and also display a deep green color.

The crowns of this beautiful tree also grow large and widespread. This plant variety also remains famous for the density of its wood.

The fruit, known as an acorn, develops in rather large numbers.

Kingdom: Plantae

Phylum: Angiosperms

Class: Eudicita

Order: Fagales

Family: Fagaceae

Genus: Quercus

Species: Q. robur

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English Oak Distribution and Ecological Importance

The English Oak is a rather impressive species of oak tree endemic to most of Europe, Anatolia, the Caucasus, and parts of Northern Africa.

This species also plays a major role in its environment. Its acorns are also a significant food source for numerous small mammals. This remarkable variety of tree also the most prolific supporter of herbivorous insect species within its native range.

The tree is also widely planted for forestry purposes. Even today, it provides one of the most popular types of wood for the construction of furniture.